Adventures of Don Quixote: A Summary and Analysis
Don Quixote: A Summary and Analysis
Description of Don Quixote
Don Quixote, a man of around fifty, was strong, thin, and lean-faced. An early riser and a lover of hunting, his name was either Quijada or Quesada (the authors differ on this point, but it seems more likely Quesada). In his idle hours, which comprised most of the year, he devoted himself to reading books of chivalry with such passion that he neglected hunting and managing his estate. He even sold some of his land to buy more books.
Don Quixote’s First Departure
Don Quixote’s first departure is marked by a continuous distortion of reality. He encounters two prostitutes on their way to Seville with some carriers. Seeing everything through the lens of his chivalric romances, he mistakes the women for fair maidens and the inn for a castle with four towers, a bridge, and a moat.
The Knighting of Don Quixote
To pursue his chivalric ambitions, Don Quixote needs to be knighted. Unlike the heroes of his books, he is not knighted in a solemn ceremony, but in a grotesque parody. The innkeeper, humoring his delusion, performs a mock knighting ceremony. He tells Don Quixote that the ceremony involves a “pescozada” (neck tap) and an “espaldarazo” (shoulder blow). The innkeeper retrieves a ledger, a boy holds a candle, and Don Quixote kneels. The innkeeper gives him a blow on the neck and then another on the back. One of the prostitutes then girds Don Quixote with a sword, wishing him success in battle.
Adventures on the Road
The Shepherd Boy: Don Quixote encounters a fifteen-year-old boy tied to an oak tree, naked from the waist up. A farmer is whipping him with a strap. Don Quixote asks why the boy is being mistreated. The farmer, intimidated by Don Quixote’s weapons, explains that the boy is his servant who loses sheep every day and refuses to pay his wages. Don Quixote demands that the farmer pay the boy immediately. The farmer agrees, but says he has no money with him and will pay the boy at home. The servant, fearing further mistreatment, begs Don Quixote to make the farmer pay him now. Don Quixote believes the farmer’s promise and leaves.
The Merchants: Don Quixote encounters six merchants from Toledo and demands they confess that Dulcinea del Toboso is the most beautiful maiden in the world. The merchants, having never heard of her, ask to see her portrait. Angered, Don Quixote charges at them with his lance. Rocinante stumbles and falls, and the merchants flee.
Sancho Panza
Sancho Panza agrees to be Don Quixote’s squire because Don Quixote promises to make him the governor of an island.
The Burning of the Books
Upon Don Quixote’s return home, the priest and the barber decide to burn his books, believing them to be the cause of his madness. They examine the titles, burning many. They spare Amadis of Gaul, the first book of chivalry printed in Spain; Tirant lo Blanc, for its style; and Cervantes’ own Galatea.
Sancho Panza: A Ridiculous Squire
Sancho Panza is chosen as Don Quixote’s squire because, although a good man, he is simple-minded.
The Windmills
Sancho tries to convince Don Quixote that the windmills are not giants, but Don Quixote, lost in his delusions, does not listen.
Don Quixote’s Values
Don Quixote yearns for a world of peace, friendship, harmony, and justice. He laments the dangers faced by women in his time.
Marcela and Chrysostom
Marcela defends her right not to reciprocate Chrysostom’s love, arguing that she is free to choose her own affections and has chosen solitude.
Cervantes Ahead of His Time
Cervantes’ portrayal of Marcela’s independence is considered ahead of his time, challenging traditional gender roles.
The Flocks of Sheep
Don Quixote mistakes two flocks of sheep for two armies. Despite Sancho’s attempts to correct him, Don Quixote charges into the sheep, believing he is engaging in battle.
The Fulling Mills
The episode of the fulling mills highlights the contrasting personalities of Don Quixote and Sancho. Don Quixote is eager for adventure, regardless of the danger. Sancho, however, is afraid of the dark and prefers company.